Rugs are timeless and useful and they add an element of charm and beauty to your home. A rug can either split a room or become the key factor in bringing the contents of the room together. It can emphasize a lounging area or highlight movement patterns from one room to another.

Most of us embellish our rooms depending on what we have and where it fits. With rugs, we create any mood or look. Rugs are portable; come in various sizes and shapes and can also be made to specifications. Rugs give you warm comfort on the cold floor and cut down sound levels. While other elements like art works, furnishings, curtains and accessories add value to the look of a home, a rug has an important role to play in holding the different elements in a room together.

Large area rugs in particular, and carpets might be interchanged. It can be called a mini-carpet. But the difference is in their size. Any floor cover less than 40 square feet is a rug while beyond that measurement is already a carpet.

Selecting rugs are mostly based on two criteria: the intended location and the material it's been made of. Price is also a factor especially if you are meticulous with the rug's material. Synthetic and cotton made are considerably cheaper, while those made from richer textures and handmade method are pricey, like ancient weaves and wool.

Handmade wool, 100% silk or blended wool and silk Oriental or Persian rugs sometimes last for centuries and become more valuable with age. And there are machine made rugs, where sophisticated designs are created on computerized looms at lower costs than similar patterns on handmade rugs.

The types of rugs that we see on the market are classified as - handmade or knotted rugs, machine-made rugs, modern rugs, traditional rugs, among many others. In knowing what type of rug you want, also think about these things:

Consider the shape and size of the rug. Shapes are rectangular, round, square, oval or octagonal. There are also rugs called runners that are ideal for hallways.

Color and Pattern: Rugs are a visual treat that add much to the decor of a room. With their impressive designs and refreshing colors, rugs have a definite, eye catching appeal.

Style: Colors, patterns, texture and design all put together give a rug its character which defines its style. It ranges from floral to contemporary to traditional. They can also reflect a season, or a particular theme.

You would also want to check the texture or fabric. Synthetic might look nice but you might not like how it feels. This is the advantage of going to a store instead of online shopping because you get to touch the rugs. However, if you already have an idea of the fabric you like, by all means, do your shopping online.

I hope that these things help you in figuring out the area rug of your dreams.

Interior Design experts all agree that it is essential to use rugs. One of the most popular sorts are these purple area rugs.